Bhubaneswar, February 6: Following the surrender of 19 Maoists on Friday, Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi declared that Odisha has made significant progress in the national mission to eradicate left-wing extremism and achieve a Maoist-free India.
In a statement on his social media platform X, CM Majhi emphasized that ensuring the safety of every citizen while promoting development in Odisha is his government’s top priority.
He noted that the surrender was a result of coordinated efforts by security forces and continuous intelligence-based operations. The 19 Maoist cadres, who abandoned violence, were from the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali division in Rayagada district and the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh division in Kandhamal district.
Among those who surrendered were two state committee members, Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut and Ankita alias Rasmit Leanka, who had bounties of ₹5.5 million on their heads. The operation also led to the seizure of 14 advanced and lethal weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and an SLR.
CM Majhi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their decisive leadership and commitment to security. He stated that the central government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism, along with support for states, has propelled this campaign to a decisive phase.
Majhi reiterated his government’s commitment to completely eliminate Maoist violence from Odisha and to make the state entirely Maoist-free by March 31. He assured that the government will remain humane and inclusive, providing institutional support, legal protection, and opportunities for a dignified life to those who return to the mainstream. He emphasized that there is no legitimate future for violence.
He urged remaining Maoist cadres to also lay down their arms and join in the state’s development efforts.
He concluded, “Only peace, development, and the rule of law will determine Odisha’s destiny. I once again appeal to all remaining cadres to abandon their weapons, renounce violence, and become partners in the state’s development.”
